What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply Chain Management is the process of handling the whole production flow, from sourcing of the raw components to the delivery of the final goods to the consumer. A supply chain company forms a network or “links”, as they’re called, to easily monitor the movement of the product till they reach its users.

The biggest benefit of supply chain management is the freedom it allows the manufacturing companies to cut extra costs and ensure faster delivery. One of the key elements in this process is maintaining tight control over the internal inventories, especially the residual inventory.

What is Residual Inventory?

Residual Inventory is the leftover stock in a company’s warehouse which could not be sold due to lack of demand among other reasons. This residual inventory can turn into a huge liability for a company, manufacturer, or retailer if retained for over three months. Hence, it is important to have a ‘safety stock’ in the right quantities.

Why is it necessary to minimize residual inventory?

A non-perishable goods-based business may find it profitable to manufacture and save up stock to fulfill any backorders. However, if the stock is not supplied for any reason, the costs will soon start adding up, making the residual inventory an expensive deadweight. Hence, the costs of transportation & storage, over-investment in stock and minimal cash flow make it essential to minimize residual inventory.

There are multiple steps and methods to reduce and control the excess inventory based on the specific type of business. Some common steps involved are:

• Maintain a precise supply forecast of your stock with an improved analysis method.

• Reduce manufacturing lot sizes by monitoring the manufacturing leads and order sizes.

• Review suppliers’ lead and delivery times regularly.

• Eliminate obsolete inventory periodically.

Minimizing residual inventory in supply chain management is crucial for a smooth cash flow and to make more room for profit rather than wasteful investments. 

Following are the various inspection methods used for quality control of electronic ceramic components:

1.  Visual inspection

Visual inspection is the primary quality control method used for every type of electronic appliance to determine if there are any visible defects in the electronic appliances or parts.  An InterCEPT certified inspector inspects the packaging and labels on the electronic component for a detailed visual examination for any typos, fake numbering, blacktopping, and many other such indicators. 

2. X-Ray testing

If the visual inspection does not reveal any discrepancies, next, X-Ray inspection is used to verify the inner workings and structure of the electronic ceramic components. If there are any defects, unusual size, exceeding quantity, or indication of tempering, it will be revealed through X-ray testing. The images of the component can be compared with the images of the original parts to detect any counterfeits.

3. Decapsulation

Sometimes even X-Ray testing cannot give conclusive results. Thus, additional testing such as failure analysis testing techniques is used to verify the authenticity of the electronic ceramic parts. Decapsulation is a destructive test that is usually performed on a sample component using failure analysis (FA), constructional analysis (CA), and destructive physical analysis (DPA) techniques. In decapsulation, an internal visual inspection is first conducted using a high-powered microscope to verify the manufacturer’s markings, defects, typography, part numbers, mechanical accuracy, and authenticity. Next, chemical etching methods are used to verify each component used in the manufacturing.

There are many different types of decapsulation methods used for different kinds of electronic device components, depending on their application purposes. Various chemicals (such as sulfur acid, nitric acid, etc.) are used for decapsulation, rendering the sample unusable in most cases since it is a destructive testing method. Therefore, it is usually performed after radiography, external visual examination, leak check, and other inspection testings as required depending on the component to ensure its authenticity. If the sample fails the analysis, the whole batch will need to be discarded. 

The electronic ceramic component inspections can be conducted by your in-house certified team or a certified third-party provider offering reliable visual, x-ray, and decapsulation testing services. If you lack the in-house quality control capabilities, get in touch with our team for reliable inspection services to meet all your needs.